Hybrid Illinois Device for Research and Applications material analysis test-stand development for characterization of fusion plasma-material interactions

Shone, Andrew John

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/110413 Copy

Description

Title

Hybrid Illinois Device for Research and Applications material analysis test-stand development for characterization of fusion plasma-material interactions

Author(s)

Shone, Andrew John

Issue Date

2021-02-05

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Andruczyk, Daniel

Committee Member(s)

Ruzic, David N

Department of Study

Nuclear, Plasma, & Rad Engr

Discipline

Nuclear, Plasma, Radiolgc Engr

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Fusion
• HIDRA-MAT
• Lithium
• Plasma-Material Interactions
• TDS
• LIBS

Abstract

The Hybrid Illinois Device for Research and Applications (HIDRA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is the only tokamak-stellarator hybrid that is wholly dedicated to the study of material science, mainly research pertaining to fusion plasma facing components (PFCs). HIDRA’s long-pulse steady-state stellarator plasmas provide a unique plasma environment to test materials under the harsh conditions they will experience in a fusion device. To realize HIDRA’s potential to advance PFC research, the HIDRA-Material Analysis Test-stand (HIDRA-MAT) was designed and fabricated. HIDRA-MAT is an extension of HIDRA with the purpose of exposing materials to HIDRA stellarator plasmas and then performing in-vacuo surface characterization. HIDRA’s long-pulse plasmas emulate some environmental conditions samples will experience in larger fusion devices, which will help in PFC development by studying the plasma-material interactions. Sample preparation utilizes a high-linear shift mechanism with an attached UHV heater that is rotatable for sample positioning and diagnostic use. A liquid metal droplet injector (LMDI) allows for controlled in-vacuo liquid metal droplet creation and application to samples. HIDRA-MAT is equipped with a multitude of diagnostics capable of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), laser-induced desorption spectroscopy (LIDS), thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), and He/D2 differentiation. Preliminary experimental data demonstrating the functionality of sample motion and rotation, the LMDI, and surface characterization diagnostics (LIBS, LIDS, and TDS), and He/D2 differentiation is reported. A ±5% error in He/D2 mixture concentration measurements has been demonstrated and the technique will be used to determine He and D2 retention in samples after plasma exposure. The LIBS system’s development and results are discussed describing how signal quality has been improved. Lithium peaks have been resolved in collected spectra and the implementation of dual-pulsed LIBS is expected to increase signal strength and allow for the identification of hydrogen and deuterium peaks. The LIBS system’s depth profiling capability has also been demonstrated. HIDRA and HIDRA-MAT together present a unique opportunity in the field of fusion PFC research and trailblazes the path for the accumulation of scientific knowledge on liquid metal-PFC-plasma interactions as liquid metals begin to showcase advantageous properties in fusion environments.

Graduation Semester

2021-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/110413

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Copyright 2021 Andrew Shone

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